Why he’s one to watch: The battle to replace Matt Barkley as USC’s quarterback has been declared an open competition by Coach Lane Kiffin. It’s a three-way derby between sophomores Wittek and Cody Kessler and incoming freshman Max Browne. Wittek has the most experience, as he filled in for the injured Barkley last season against Notre Dame and Georgia Tech, but is that a plus or minus in Wittek’s ledger? Yes, he got experience, but he also didn’t look particularly impressive in either game. Wittek has a cannon arm and projects to be a quarterback in the mold of Carson Palmer, but based on his two starts, he needs to show significant improvement in his decision-making.

Nos. 2 and 3: SU’A CRAVENS and LEON MCQUAY III (DBs)

Profile: 6-3, 215, freshman (Cravens); 6-2, 185 (McQuay III)

2012 stats: N/A

Why they’re ones to watch: How much trust will Coach Lane Kiffin and new defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast have in these two heralded freshmen? Cravens and McQuay both played safety in high school but it’s likely that they will also spend a good amount of time at cornerback in spring practice. A chance to play immediately is there for the taking. USC lost top cornerback Nickell Robey, who declared for the NFL Draft and skipped his senior season, as well as senior safeties T.J. McDonald and Jawanza Starling. Torin Harris returns at cornerback but he has yet to make an impact in his college career, and the rest of USC’s corners are young and untested. USC must decide what to do with Josh Shaw, who started at corner during the second half of last season but might return to safety, as well as linebacker Dion Bailey, who prefers to move to safety (his likely NFL position).

No. 4 MARCUS MARTIN (G/C)

Profile: 6-3, 325, junior

2012 stats: N/A

Why he’s one to watch: USC returns solid depth on the offensive line, but there’s a big hole at center, both in terms of talent and leadership, with the graduation and departure of Khaled Holmes. Cyrus Hobbi, who filled in during Holmes’ ankle injury last season, doesn’t seem to be the answer right now, and USC elected to not bring back Abe Markowitz, who sought to return for a sixth season. Martin, a starter at guard in 2012, worked out at center during pre-Sun Bowl practices and has continued in that role during unofficial winter practices with teammates. USC coaches intend to have Khaliel Rodgers play center, but Rodgers won’t enroll until the fall. For now, it’s important for Martin to thrive at center and develop a strong rapport with all three quarterbacks in spring practice.

No. 5 HAYES PULLARD (LB)

Profile: 6-1, 235, redshirt junior

2012 stats: 107 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 pass breakup

Why he’s one to watch: The new system installed by defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast is predicated largely on the ability of linebackers to be versatile. They’ll have to act like defensive ends on some plays and cornerbacks on others. In Pendergast’s base 3-4 set, it’s likely that Pullard will occupy one of the inside spots, particularly if Dion Bailey moves to safety (Bailey won’t participate in practice as he recovers from shoulder surgery). The Trojans need stout play from Pullard. By the end of last season, in Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 scheme, it seemed clear that Pullard, not Lamar Dawson, was the Trojans’ best interior linebacker. Pullard finished second on the team in tackles and, in most games, looked fundamentally strong, took good angles and didn’t miss tackles. e.

Rich Hammond was a high school senior when the Rams left town in 1995, and now he's their beat writer for the Southern California News Group. A native of L.A., Rich broke in at the Daily Breeze as a college freshman and also has covered USC, the Kings, the Lakers and the Dodgers. He still loves sports and telling stories. Don't take the sarcastic tweets too seriously.

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